Ghenoa Gela
A note from Ghenoa
As a floating storyteller, I’ve had the opportunity to share and participate in many rooms across this beautiful country. But a place that I’ve had very limited experiences with is Lutruwita – So I’m proper pumped to be invited down to participate and share in years Ten Artists, Ten Days program initiative. I hope that this opportunity presents new potential partnerships, colleagues, connections with karntri-mob and most importantly new learnings. A LOT can happen in 10 days – so I’m looking forward to sharing a creative space with other artists.
My creative journey is constantly shifting. Starting in dance, (as I’m a Traditional Torres Strait Islander dancer and Musican), but undulating across Theatre, TV and Film as well has been empowering. I’m a storyteller that loves to explore every possibility of telling our stories in a way that empowers our people while also educating non-blakfullahs, so I try to get myself in as many spaces as I can to skill up.
As an Artist that tries to make all my Works an experience, I honestly want it to mean something deep enough for audience members to still be moved about it years later. So, connections with the work outside of watching it, is really important to me. I believe it is vital for non-indigenous Australians to understand the depths of where the work comes from and how hard it is for us to make it to be on mainstream stages. But also for Blakfullahs to know they have access to background information as well – as we are navigating across contemporary storytelling spaces. Whether this connection happens from a Q and A (Question and Answer) a panel or a workshop, I believe in the strength of a personal connection to the Work.
More about Ghenoa Gela
Highly Award Winning, Multi-Disciplinary and Multi-Dimensional Storyteller Ghenoa Gela is a proud Koedal – Aubaith Clan Wagadagam, Mualgal Poid and Aragan, Samsep and Peidu Woman.
Originally born on Darumbal Country CQ – Rockhampton, Ghenoa’s ever growing skill base, stems from her solid foundation as a Traditional Torres Strait Islander dancer, storyteller, and musician. From this strength, Ghenoa’s fierce cultural values of visibility in the broad Western landscape is at the forefront of her artistic vision and practice.
Ghenoa navigates across several industries such as Dance, Theatre, Comedy, Entertainment, TV and Film. She holds these spaces in various capacities; Director, Movement Director, Comedian, Writer, Dramaturg, Dancer, Actor, Mistress of Ceremonies, Presenter, Facilitator, Collaborator, Hype-Boss and Mentor across remote, regional, and urban communities.
Ghenoa’s artistic expression is deeply influenced by her family stories and emboldened by her passion to share her Torres Strait Islander culture. She aspires to inspire.
Photo by: Ashley de Prazer